Secondary neutron beam production at Jefferson Lab

Abstract

We investigate secondary neutron production by an 11 GeV electron beam in the Hall A beam dump at Jefferson Lab and their transport to a downstream experimental area. This secondary beam could operate opportunistically with the primary electron-scattering programme. The neutron energy spectrum extends from thermal energies to several GeVs, offering a distinctive opportunity for irradiation at energy grater than 1 GeV. We considered three configurations: the current setup, the planned BDX facility, and an optimized BDX layout with a dedicated neutron extraction pipe. We also studied how radiators made of different materials and placed upstream of the beam dump increase neutron production.

arXiv comment12 pages, 10 figures